Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Maginot, Addison & Moore
  • Patent number: 6142576
    Abstract: An assembly for coupling a dump truck bed to a frame of a work machine includes an attachment member secured in fixed relation to the frame. The attachment member has a plurality of first fastener apertures defined therein. The assembly also includes a hydraulic cylinder having a first end and a second end. The first end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled to the dump truck bed. The assembly further includes a bearing assembly having an inner race and an outer race, wherein (i) the outer race is disposed around the inner race such that the outer race rotates in relation to the inner race thereby defining a central axis of rotation, (ii) the outer race is fixed in relation to the second end of the hydraulic cylinder, (iii) the inner race is fixed in relation to the attachment member, and (iv) the inner race has a plurality of second fastener apertures defined therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Brooks, Jason Martin, Robert L. McNabb
  • Patent number: 6135243
    Abstract: An apparatus for braking a rotating member having an engaged state and a disengaged state is disclosed. Rotation of the rotating member is inhibited by the apparatus when the apparatus is in the engaged state. The braking apparatus includes a housing, an actuator, and a first brake structure. The first brake structure includes a brake pad having a contact surface. The brake structure is pivotally connected to the housing and further connected to the actuator. The actuator is operable to cause pivotal motion of the brake structure, thereby causing arcuate motion of the contact surface toward the rotating member. The frictional force between the rotating member and the contact surface and elastic deformation of one of the rotating member and the contact surface causes further arcuate motion of the contact surface toward the rotating member and places the apparatus in the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Cybo Robots, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Stephen Kraihanzel
  • Patent number: 6135225
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism for supporting a cab assembly of a work machine is described. The tilt mechanism includes a frame. The tilt mechanism also includes a support member for supporting the cab assembly. The support member is mechanically coupled to the frame so that the support member is movable relative to the frame. The tilt mechanism further includes an actuation mechanism mechanically coupled to the frame and the support member. The actuation mechanism is operable between a retract mode of operation and an extend mode of operation. Placing the actuation mechanism in the extend mode of operation causes the support member to move relative to the frame such that the support member advances a distance D.sub.1 along an axis of the frame in a first direction. Placing the actuation mechanism in the retract mode of operation causes the support member to move relative to the frame such that the support member advances a distance D.sub.2 along the axis of the frame in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Barsic
  • Patent number: 6131214
    Abstract: A medical table includes a base. The medical table also includes a number of rollers, supported by the base, which collectively define a bed surface for supporting a patient, wherein each roller of the number of rollers (1) defines a fluid impervious bag having a void therein, and (2) contains a plurality of beads within the void of the fluid impervious bag, and further wherein the number of rollers includes a prime roller having a shaft extending therefrom. The medical table further includes a motor mechanically coupled to the shaft of the prime roller. The medical table also includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with each void of the number of rollers. A method of moving a patient from a first position to a second position is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moenning, Donald M. Judy, Douglas B. Thatcher
  • Patent number: 6131281
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an end assembly of an engine oil cooler with an apparatus that includes (i) a compression member having a roller surface defined thereon, (ii) a motor operatively coupled to the compression member such that the motor can rotate the compression member around a central axis of rotation, and (iii) a drive cam for urging the compression member outwardly from the central axis of rotation, wherein the end assembly includes (i) an outer component which defines a first lumen and (ii) an inner component which defines a second lumen is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Morley
  • Patent number: 6131286
    Abstract: The fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element having a slot defined therein and a second fabrication element having a locking mechanism secured thereto. The locking mechanism has (1) an alignment member, and (2) a twist tab connected to the alignment member. The locking mechanism cooperates with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. A method of attaching a first fabrication element to a second fabrication element is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon W. Kelly, Robert E. Klimko, Charles F. Sieck, Richard H. Wetherill
  • Patent number: 6125796
    Abstract: A method of operating a diesel engine which overcomes problems encountered during use of a low cetane fuel with long ignition delays is disclosed. The method provides for a staged injection of an emulsified diesel fuel into the combustion chamber of the diesel engine. In particular, the method includes the steps of (A) injecting a pilot volume of an emulsified diesel fuel into a combustion chamber of the diesel engine, wherein the emulsified diesel fuel includes water and diesel fuel, (B) compressing the pilot volume of the emulsified diesel fuel within the combustion chamber during a compression stroke of the diesel engine, and (C) injecting a main volume of the emulsified diesel fuel into the combustion chamber of the diesel engine, whereby heat generated by compression of the pilot volume of the emulsified diesel fuel causes the pilot volume of the emulsified diesel fuel to combust so as to ignite the main volume of the emulsified diesel fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald N. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6119579
    Abstract: A fluid cylinder assembly for a work machine includes a fluid cylinder having a housing which includes a first end wall, a second end wall, and a cylindrical side wall which collectively cooperate so as to define a piston chamber. The fluid cylinder also includes a piston housed for translation within the piston chamber, and a rod which extends through an opening defined in the second end wall. An ultrasonic transducer is secured to the cylindrical side wall of the fluid cylinder for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations into the piston chamber during a first time period and receiving ultrasonic vibrations from the piston chamber during a second time period. A control circuit is operatively coupled to the transducer. The control circuit generates a trigger signal which causes the transducer to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations during the first time period. The control circuit analyzes returned energy or echoes from within the piston chamber in order to determine piston location within the piston chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Pawelski
  • Patent number: 6120287
    Abstract: An orthodontic force measuring apparatus includes a dental replica which includes a first tooth replica and a second tooth replica. The first tooth replica is moveable relative to the second tooth replica. The apparatus also includes an orthodontic appliance secured to both the first tooth replica and the second tooth replica of the dental replica. The apparatus further includes a force measuring device operatively coupled to the first tooth replica. The force measuring device is configured so as to measure force exerted on the first tooth replica by the orthodontic appliance. A method of measuring orthodontic force is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Jie Chen
  • Patent number: 6120405
    Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a drive shaft and a sprocket drive assembly. The sprocket drive assembly includes a hub mechanically coupled to the drive shaft, a first side support secured to the hub, a second side support secured to the hub, and a plurality of engagement members each interposed between the first side support and the second side support. Each of the plurality of engagement members is rotatably secured to each of the first side support and the second side support. The drive mechanism further includes a track assembly which has a plurality of shoes which are secured to one another to form a track, and a plurality of drive lugs which are mounted to the plurality of shoes. Each of the plurality of drive lugs has a first grasping notch and a second grasping notch defined therein. The plurality of drive lugs includes a first drive lug and a second drive lug which are adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Oertley, Delbert D. Dester, Kevin M. Egle, J. Scott Burdick
  • Patent number: 6118975
    Abstract: An exemplary leakage tagging signal generator according to the present invention is intended for use in connection with a leakage tagging signal detector that detects signal leakage in a communication system. In particular, the leakage tagging signal generator is intended for use with a leakage tagging signal detector that identifies leakage tagging signals based on the detection of a characteristic leakage tagging frequency component. The leakage tagging signal generator includes an RF signal source, an output, a switch, and a pulse signal source. The RF signal source is operable to generate an RF carrier signal having a first frequency. The output connects to the communication system. The pulse signal source is a device operable to generate a pulse signal having a first state and a second state, said pulse signal having a pulse period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Wavetek Wandel Goltermann, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Bowyer, Douglas J. Franchville
  • Patent number: 6116223
    Abstract: An internal coumbustion engine assembly which includes an exhaust gas recirculation mechanism, an engine air inlet and an engine exhaust outlet. The engine assembly further includes a valve assembly which includes a valve housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet, the valve assembly is positionable between a first valve position and a second valve position. The engine assembly still further includes a first conduit which connects the engine exhaust outlet in fluid communication with the housing inlet and a second conduit which connects the engine air inlet in fluid communication with the housing outlet. The engine assembly still further includes a camshaft having a cam member secured thereto with the cam member positionable between a first cam member position and a second cam member position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Feucht
  • Patent number: 6112857
    Abstract: A hand-held entry device includes a code entry device for allowing a user to enter a product code associated with a first item of the items for purchase. The hand-held entry device also includes a smart card having (i) a processor electrically coupled to the code entry device, and (ii) a card memory device electrically coupled to the processor. The card memory device has stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to store a first record corresponding to the product code in a transaction table maintained in the card memory device when the user enters the product code associated with the first item. A method of operating a retail system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: James Morrison
  • Patent number: 6109395
    Abstract: A convertible lift mechanism lifts a person or an object from a first surface to a vertically displaced second surface. The convertible lift mechanism includes a source of motive force, a scissor lift linkage, and a conversion stair. The conversion stair has a first configuration in which it functions as a stair and a second configuration in which it functions as at least a portion of a lift platform. When the conversion stair is in the first configuration, the convertible lift mechanism functions as a stairway. When the conversion stair is in the second configuration, the convertible lift mechanism functions as a platform lift or wheelchair lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Vertical Mobility, LLC
    Inventor: George Lawrence Storm
  • Patent number: 6105866
    Abstract: A method of operating a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of generating an end-of-itemization control signal in response to a user's indication that the user has no further items to enter into the checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of generating a message in response to generation of the end-of-itemization control signal which instructs the user to (1) verify that the user has no further items to enter into the checkout terminal, and (2) perform a first verification activity if the user has no further items to enter into the checkout terminal. The method further includes the step of generating a confirmation control signal in response to the user's performance of the first verification activity. A self-service checkout terminal having a display monitor for displaying a message which instructs the user to verify that the user has no further items prior to tendering payment is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: James Morrison, Joanne S. Walter
  • Patent number: 6105221
    Abstract: A casket top interior assembly includes at least one roll and a roll clamp. The casket top interior assembly is used in connection with a casket lid, the casket lid being generally concave and constructed of a rigid material. The at least one roll has a first elongated edge and a second elongated edge, the first elongated edge secured to the casket lid proximate a periphery of the casket lid, the second elongated edge secured to the casket lid by the roll clamp. To this end, the roll clamp includes an anchor surface and a stop member extending angularly from the anchor surface. The anchor surface is directly secured to the casket lid. The stop member engages the at least one roll proximate the second elongated edge in a trap fit, said trap fit in part securing the roll to the casket lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Vandor Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Cox
  • Patent number: 6102408
    Abstract: A track link assembly includes a first track link having a passageway defined therethrough. The track link assembly also includes a bushing having an end face, wherein the bushing is positioned within the passageway. The track link assembly further includes a first seal member having an exterior surface, the first seal member being secured to the bushing end face with a resilient bond formed by an adhesive such as Loctite adhesive part number 17430. In addition, the track link assembly includes a protective coating secured to the exterior surface of the first seal member, wherein the protective coating and the first seal member are made of different materials relative to each other. An associated method for maintaining a track link assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Anderton, Roy D. Morley
  • Patent number: 6101742
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is disclosed. The grain dryer includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of a discharge opening of the column. The grain dryer further includes a regulator member which is movable between a flow regulating position and a trash escape position. The regulator member contacts either the metering roll, or grain supported by the metering roll when the regulator member is positioned in the flow regulating position. The regulator member is spaced from the metering roll by a distance sufficient to enable a trash object to advance between the regulator member and the metering roll when the regulator is positioned in the trash escape position. A method of controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: ffi Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip C. Middaugh, L Michael Watson
  • Patent number: 6098305
    Abstract: A grain dryer which includes a grain column through which grain may flow is disclosed. The grain column has a discharge opening. The grain dryer further includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of the discharge opening of the grain column and a grain support member interposed between the metering roll and the discharge opening. The grain support member being movable between a grain support position and a cleaning position. The grain dryer yet further includes a transport bin positioned below the metering roll. The grain support member directs grain flowing out of the discharge opening to the metering roll when the grain support member is positioned in the grain support position. The grain support member directs grain positioned on the grain support member to advance under the metering roll and into the transport bin when the grain support member is positioned in the cleaning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: ffi Corporation
    Inventors: L. Michael Watson, Phillip C. Middaugh
  • Patent number: D432457
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Rainbow Studies, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy F. Hughey, Nathan T. Simonton